Alsop High SchoolQueens Drive

LiverpoolL4 6SH

T 0151 235 1200F 0151 521 1044

E

www.alsophigh.org.uk Headteacher: Mr C Wilson

KNOWLEDGE I RESPECT I OPPORTUNITY

9th June 2020 Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to update you on our plans for the coming weeks up until the summer holiday. As you will be aware recent reports are suggesting the regional R rate for the North West may well be creeping above 1 which, as outlined by the Government themselves, is deeply worrying. We will continue to follow the advice of Liverpool City Council and to put the continued safety of students and staff first and therefore all of our plans and next steps are based upon this principle; I know we can continue to count on your support in regards to this and I really appreciate your kindness and understanding.

Key Worker and Vulnerable Children

We have seen an increase in requests for places in these categories and it has been a pleasure to see students back in school completing their online learning with support from colleagues. As we plan our provision meticulously it is crucial you let us know if you require provision for your child and any new requests must be submitted to Mr Mottram by 4pm on Wednesday for the following week. Please email Mr Mottram at the address below:

s.mottram@alsophigh.org.uk

Wider Opening

As a result of the situation outlined at the start of this letter, and in line with the advice from Liverpool City Council, we are deciding to postpone our widening opening for Years 10 and 12 by one week in terms of the face to face provision we were seeking to provide. We will instead be contacting all students in these year groups to conduct remote reviews via Microsoft Teams. Details of your appointments and further information to follow this letter.

We will now be looking to expand the number of students we have in school from Monday 22nd June but again this will only be possible if it is deemed safe for staff and students to be in school.

Remote Learning – Years 7-10 and 12

Our online learning continues to adapt as it becomes apparent that education will not return to ‘normal’ face to face provision for some time. From today, we move to recorded PowerPoints for students in all year groups to help ensure there is greater clarity and scaffolding for students as we now begin to teach new concepts as opposed to reviewing prior learning as we had been doing. Students will be required to complete quizzes on Show My Homework or on Assignments in Microsoft Teams and to submit assessed work during the unit to allow staff to give feedback in the usual manner.

Support for Year 11 and 13

Year 11 and 13 have missed their end of school rituals and experiences and we know that students in these year groups may need help and support over the coming weeks as they look ahead to their next steps. Year 13 should contact form tutors or the Year team to discuss support and guidance and are still able to access specialist careers advice if required. In regards to Year 11 we know that many will be wondering about how best to prepare for their A-Level studies and as such we will be providing pre course reading and tasks next week; Year 11 will need to complete these tasks in order to access Alsop’s Sixth Form provision.

Black Lives Matter

This past few days have seen demonstrations around the world in light of George Floyd’s tragic death and here in the UK we witnessed large gatherings in major cities over the weekend. Whilst the official Government advice is not to attend these I know that many reading this letter will have been saddened, inspired and moved by recent events. Racial discrimination has no place in modern society and I am proud to be a part of a school and a city that champions diversity and equality; it is also important that each of us recognise the role we play in speaking out about this as my silence simply fuels the problem further. However, I recognise that I have a responsibility to go further than mere statements and to work with all families and students to ensure that our school is actively seeking to remove the systemic discrimination and challenges our BAME students and families can and do face; our curriculums must seek to give voices and empowerment to all and should seek to celebrate the richness of cultures that is present within modern Britain and the global community. I am also keen for Alsop High School to go further in fighting discrimination of any type and will seek advice from students and community groups as to how we can do this effectively. If any student has been effected by recent events or would like to discuss this matter further then please contact the school or a teacher via SMHW or Teams. We stand together as one community and it is an unequivocal truth that Black Lives Matter and I would encourage all of you to discuss the recent events with your children so that we can build a tolerant, just and fair society.

Yours faithfully,

Chris Wilson